DOLGEVILLE -- A Herkimer County woman was arrested Wednesday after allegedly stealing a puppy from an acquaintance's lawn, State Police said.

Andrea M. Williams, 21, of Dolgeville was charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor, for stealing a 3-month-old black Chi puggle — a chihuahua, beagle and pug mix — while its owner was inside his residence, police said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Williams and a male companion were driving on State Route 29 when they saw the unattended puppy tied to a leash outside the house, police said.

Williams untied the puppy and ran back to the car while her companion talked with the owner about an unrelated matter inside of the house, police said.

The owner noticed the puppy was gone when he went outside to check on it.

An investigation found that Williams had expressed interest in the puppy in the past and at one time even offered to buy it, police said.

When first questioned, Williams denied any involvement in the theft, but later admitted she took the puppy, police said.